Children are exposed to serious health risks from environmental hazards. Environmental risk factors often act in concert, and their effects are exacerbated by adverse social and economic conditions, particularly conflict, poverty and malnutrition. There is new knowledge about the special susceptibility of children to environmental risks: action needs to be taken to allow them to grow up and develop in good health, and to contribute to economic and social development.

By creating healthy and supportive environments for children today, we can transform them into the next generation’s courageous advocates for a clean and safe planet where precious natural and human resources are treasured and preserved in harmony for the enjoyment and prosperity of countless generations to come.